ArtNet Configuration

What Is Art-Net?

Art-Net is a protocol for transmitting DMX512 lighting data over standard Ethernet networks. It allows CueSync to control DMX fixtures, dimmers, moving heads, and lighting consoles without a physical DMX cable — just Ethernet.

CueSync outputs Art-Net natively with no additional hardware required on the Mac side. You need an Art-Net node (Ethernet-to-DMX adapter) to drive physical DMX fixtures, or a console with built-in Art-Net input.

Network Setup

1. Connect your Mac and Art-Net devices to the same Ethernet switch.
2. Assign your Mac a static IP in the Art-Net address range, typically 2.x.x.x or 10.x.x.x (Art-Net convention).
3. Ensure no firewall blocks UDP port 6454 (Art-Net's default port).

Tip: Art-Net works on Wi-Fi, but Ethernet is strongly recommended. Wi-Fi adds variable latency and risks dropped packets on stage.

Configuring CueSync

1. Go to Protocols → Art-Net.
2. Click Add Output.
3. Configure the following:

| Setting | Description | |---------|-------------| | Destination IP | Art-Net node or console IP (or 255.255.255.255 to broadcast) | | Universe | 0–32767 (match receiver's configured universe) | | Subnet | 0–15 (for legacy Art-Net 3 compatibility) | | Net | 0–127 (for Art-Net 4 extended addressing) | | Refresh Rate | 40 Hz default; increase to 44 Hz for smoother fades |

Universe Mapping Table

CueSync supports multiple simultaneous Art-Net universes (DJ: max 4, Theatre/Ultimate: unlimited):

| CueSync Universe | DMX Channels | Typical Use | |-----------------|-------------|-------------| | Universe 0 | 1–512 | Main stage wash | | Universe 1 | 513–1024 | Moving heads | | Universe 2 | 1025–1536 | LED bars / strobes | | Universe 3 | 1537–2048 | Effects / haze |

Monitoring Output

Open Protocols → Art-Net → Monitor to see a live DMX value grid for each universe. This is useful for confirming output before connecting physical fixtures.

Performance Notes

• Art-Net output adds minimal CPU load; CueSync is optimized for continuous 40 Hz output
• Use unicast (specific IP) over broadcast in large networks to reduce traffic
• If using multiple Art-Net nodes, verify each is configured to receive different universes